"We Did It! Thank You, Basketball!" Canadian Playmaker Announces Retirement /PHOTO/

Pulse Sports Team 14:41 - 03 October 2026

Kevin Pangos calls time on his playing career at age 33 following several injury-plagued seasons.

Canadian point guard Kevin Pangos has announced his retirement from basketball in an emotional message, expressing heartfelt gratitude that his children were able to watch him compete on the court.

Pangos kicked off his professional career with Gran Canaria in 2015 following a standout four-year college career at Gonzaga. A year later, he moved to Zalgiris, guiding the Kaunas outfit to the 2018 EuroLeague Final Four—their first appearance since 1999.

"When I was a kid, I carried a basketball everywhere. I wrote my goals on it. I slept with it. I dreamed about what I could achieve. It wasn't the journey I envisioned. I went undrafted. Spent six years overseas. Then at 28, I signed a guaranteed deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers," Pangos shared on social media.

During Zalgiris' historic Final Four run, he averaged 12.7 points and 5.9 assists per game, earning an All-EuroLeague Second Team selection.

Pangos later suited up for Barcelona and Zenit St. Petersburg, securing an All-EuroLeague First Team nod in 2021 after averaging 13.5 points and 6.6 assists.

Following his NBA stint in Cleveland, he returned to Europe, playing for Olimpia Milano, Valencia, Napoli, and Istanbul-based Erokspor.

"I experienced incredible highs and very tough lows throughout my career. Injuries made the last few years extremely difficult, but I'm grateful I fought long enough for my kids to see me compete. I don't know if any athlete retires completely satisfied. We always believe we have more to give. But I can say with 1,000 percent certainty that I poured everything into the game. I never let circumstances dictate my approach," Pangos added.

In his closing remarks, he dedicated a message to the boy who spent countless hours shooting hoops alone in front of his house.

"We did it! We left it all out there and achieved everything you ever dreamed of. Time to attack the next chapter the exact same way. Thank you, basketball!"